Sir Alex Ferguson says there is no rush for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to test his managerial skills in England after he guided Molde to their first ever Norwegian title success. Ferguson paid tribute to his former player's achievement, as he landed Molde their first championship in the club's 100-year history, aged just 38.
Solskjaer spent two years coaching Manchester United's reserve side after he retired from the game in 2008, heading for Molde in December and sparking an instant upturn in their fortunes. His title triumph led to speculation that he could return to England and he was linked with the vacant post at Championship side Portsmouth but Ferguson - whose side could face Molde in the Champions League next season - thinks Solskjaer should avoid rushing into a return.
"It is possible (he could return as boss in England),'' said Ferguson. "It just depends when. I don't think he should rush into it because experience is good and the experience he has got at Molde is a very good one.
"He comes from the area. His wife and family are all back home there. He has won the championship and there is no need to hurry. The time will come and the timing will be important but he is easily capable of coming into English football.''
Ahead of his own side's Champions League encounter with Otelul Galati at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Ferguson recalled how Solskjaer made such a positive impression during his own 366-game career at United, which yielded 125 goals in addition to the one he is most famous for - the winner in the 1999 Champions League final.
"My knowledge of Ole as a student of the game is quite clear; every game he played and every training session he took part in he always wrote it all down,'' said Ferguson. "That tells you his dedication to learn the game and also his attention to meticulous detail.
"That gives him a great start because you need dedication and sacrifice to go into management these days. He was a great player and a very nice person. Players will respond to him.''
Ferguson revealed he jumped the gun with his congratulations, texting Solskjaer prior to the 2-2 draw with Stromsgodset on Sunday that secured Molde a place in next season's Champions League.
"All the players have been in touch,'' said Ferguson. "I texted him on Saturday thinking he had won the league but he was playing on Sunday. It is a great achievement considering this is his first year. He had a great spell with our reserve team so he wasn't coming into the job blind but it is fantastic news.''
No comments:
Post a Comment